REGINA – SaskPower and SaskEnergy are applying for rate adjustments with the Saskatchewan Review Panel but each crown is singing a different tune.
SaskPower is requesting a rate increase of 5 per cent effective July 1, 2016 and five per cent effective Jan 1, 2017. That means the average customer will pay an additional $6 per month in 2016 and $6 per month in 2017 on their electricity bills, if approved.
“We understand our customers need reliable power, and in light of our challenges with aging infrastructure and keeping up with growing demand, we need additional funding to continue to provide that for the people of Saskatchewan,” said SaskPower President and CEO Mike Marsh.
SaskEnergy is proposing a 2.3 per cent decrease in 2016 rates which would save the average customer around $1.70 per month.
The typical SaskEnergy residential customer will see an annual savings of $20 and small-to-large commercial customers will see decreases ranging from $180 to $3,000 a year, if approved.
“SaskEnergy is facing many of the same challenges as other Canadian natural gas utilities to maintain the high safety standards our industry has set and our customers expect,” said Doug Kelln, President and Chief Executive Officer, SaskEnergy.
“These rate changes, if approved, allow us to pass along lower market prices to reduce heating bills while continuing to invest in a safe natural gas system.”
All told, the average residential customer can expect an increase of $4.30 per month later this year.
You can view full copies of the SaskPower and SaskEnergy rate review applications at saskratereview.ca
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